Is your young child going to be in a dance recital? As much fun as she will have, this important day can be very stressful and hectic for you and your daughter. However, following the steps below can help you out.

Steps

1

Make sure the date of the rehearsal and recital are on the schedule well in advance to try to avoid other commitments.

2

Read through all of the papers that the studio sends home. They will tell you where you need to be at what time, what makeup is needed etc.

3

Make sure that you have paid. Some studios won't allow a child to perform if there is an outstanding balance.

4

Check with the teacher to see if the costumes need to be altered. If they do, you can do it yourself or have someone else take care of it. You should also label every piece of each costume now so it doesn't get lost.

5

Decide whether you want video or photo packages, which many studios offer. If you do, check to see what you have to do.

6

Gather up everything you need the day before the rehearsal, makeup, hairspray, bobby pins, costumes etc.

7

Comb their hair and put on their makeup before you leave for the rehearsal. Make sure you get there early.

8

Introduce your child to whoever will be looking after their class during the recital if you have not already done so.

9

Get your child into the first costume and help with other changes.

10

Make sure you have everything you brought when you leave. Try to help your child get a good amount of sleep.

11

Arrive early for the recital (with hair/makeup already done) and get your child settled and into the costume. If you are watching go out into the audience.

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Tips

If you are backstage or in the dressing room do not bother the older dancers if they look like they are in a hurry. It isn't fun to try to explain how to attach a tiara to a kid's head while trying to change and get back onstage in four minutes.

Try to get the little kids lined up before someone comes to get them into the wings. Have them hold hands in the order that is their beginning pose (if it's a line)

It is very helpful to have these usually forgotten items, especially if you are a backstage mom or dad: hairspray, hair gel, a ton of bobby pins that match the kid's hair color, extra makeup, a ton of safety pins in all sizes, a large button up shirt that your child can wear over her costume in the dressing room, clean snacks (foods that won't get messy and won't trigger allergies. Apple slices, carrots, water, rice cakes etc.)

Bobby pins are your friend. If you think you need ten to attach a hairpiece or hold up a bun, use twenty.

If your child is very young, you may want to go backstage after her dance to help them change and then go back to the audience. Just make sure you are polite about it.

Check if your allowed to go backstage with your child. Some studios don't allow this, but most allow a few mothers to come backstage with their child.

Warnings

Some kids can get very nervous or scared and may need some encouragement but they will generally be very proud of themselves after wards.

If you are worried about putting makeup on your child, know that it is only twice a year and that if you don't you won't be able to see your child's face from the audience. It is a fact.

Things You'll Need

Hairspray

Hair gel

Bobby pins

Contour clips

Makeup

Costumes

Hairpieces

Dance shoes (this seems obvious, but in all the excitement they are easily forgotten)